Oh that sounds like so much fun! I had "girl time" with my aunt and granddaughter at the Minneapolis Macy's 8th floor Christmas display "A Day in the Life of an Elf". I had a good chuckle when my granddaughter (4 yrs old) got exasperated about something, and said "Uff Da!" Wonder where she got that?

Hi , Suzanne This is perfect ...from the perfect tree and the perfect paper roses to the hot chocolate bar and the perfectly wrapped presents under the tree ...What precious memories you have created for these wonderful young souls .I see a tradition here :) and you really should be proud of your gentle daughter .Your photos have captured the atmosphere perfectly as well...What a joy !

This post made me SMILE, Suzanne...what a wonderful time of sharing and friendship! Your home looks so festive and Gracie is adorable all dressed for the season! The girls all looked like they were enjoying themselves so much (one of my daughter's favorite movies is Elf, too)! Your daughter is so lovely...her sweet spirit shines! P.S. Loved your nostalgic post about your little brother, too...made me miss my two little brothers...XO

It sounds like a great day, the kind that has that wonderful holidayish happy feeling...the snow probably helped out a little too :) Saturday was my daughter's birthday...five years old. She was in absolute glory. Me? Not so much, since I just kept thinking about how big she's getting.

Suzanne, oh what fun that must have been! And I love all the gorgeous little details - the candy bar, the crafts. You must be so proud of your daughter for being such a gracious hostess (and who else will she take after)... And I loooove your tree. I miss having a huge fresh tree and long for space in the house again for one. Your new ornaments from NYC must be up there already. How lovely.

What a marvelous party. I would have loved to participate. I miss these times now that my daughter is grown and gone. It has me thinking I should throw one for my friends :)I'm now craving a hot chocolate and cupcake - I wonder if 6:15 a.m. is too early for both :)

I love this!! I am going to steal this idea! What a wonderful way for your daughter to be the perfect hostess and she looks so happy and beautiful in the picture. We went to the boat parade on Saturday night and the parade downtown on Sunday after church. We actually watched it from the top floor of a parking garage and Jemma just thought that was the coolest thing ever! I love this time of year!

I love that this a tradition for your daughter and her friends - I remember last year's get together and can't believe I've known you that long! Elf and a candy bar are the perfect ways to round up a fun crafty night - what a great mom you are to host!

Yeay Suzanne it all looks perfect! I'm so thrilled to hear Elizabeth's party went so well and that you were even able to find time to make the homemade marshmallows that you spoke about. Such great memories you are building with your daughter and her friends...Thank you for the fun time on Friday when we met up for lunch, and shopping. My tea was perfect, as I'm a LOVER of peppermint and I think I had about 7 cups over the week-end. :) Loved it! My tree is so cute too that you bestowed upon me and as of yet is the only sign of Christmas in our home. Thank you for that thoughtful gift. You are a dear...Looking forward to more fun times ahead with you.Gretchen

A post full of light and beauty, fabulous tree, gorgeous little dog, beautiful daughter whose character shines out from her lovely smile. You have helped to store up special memories for her, I can just imagine the close relationship you have with her, you are both blessed. xx

Your daughter is darling with a capital "D". What a wonderful day for her, for those girls and for you! Sounds perfect and something I should definitely do with my 11th grader!

I got a lot more decorating done over the weekend, but it continues to be a work in progress. What was fun for me was when two different dates of my daughters were the ones who went on and on about how beautiful everything looked! Gotta love that!

Oh my how conflicted I feel.I look forward to Bitsy's friends laughing and crafting at our home someday and at the same moment I don't want these precious moments of her all small and perfect to fade!I know that I have time to enjoy this.I know that I'll get to the point your at someday and I'll think where did the time go?!So glad the girls had fun!

I just love that this is an annual tradition! Elizabeth does look so at ease and I know you both put a lot of time and planning into this special afternoon. The kind that these beautiful young women will remember for a lifetime....and I'll bet continue with their own daughters some day.

Awesome! It looks like such a FUN time for them...ALL girls.. yeah! ...remember those nights when I was in high school...Giggles, food, music, cameras...games, pajamas, fingernails, gifts....wow..and what a mama you are to have put it all together just for her, just the way she wanted. It must have truly been music to your ears. :-) Love all the yummy treats ya'll thought up and the cute crafts. AND I really love Gracie's special outfit!!! so cute. :-) what a sport. Hugs to you Suzanne. ENJOYED!!!!!!!xoxo

what a weekend to remember. you will talk about this for years to comeyou are such a cool mom you know;)she seems so genuine and down to earth...sweetyou write a momma's heart well when you said you let the sounds envelope you like a hug. that is what it is like if we take the time to be presentthank you friend for taking me along:)xo

The girls look like they had a wonderful time. I think you have started a new tradition and even when the girls are no longer in school together I bet they will still gather at your house for one of these pre-Christmas get-togethers. That's how traditions start and I think you have started a wonderful one. Your daughter is so very beautiful and her lovely and kind spirit shines in all the photos.Since I linked late last week, I am linking the same post and will probably link a new one later in the week. XO

First of all, I am so busy with school that I find myself juggling more and more this year...it is driving me crazy! I missed visiting everyone yesterday but I see your comment and was so blessed. CIRQUE DE SOLEIL you say??????? OOOOOOH how I would love to see that. And CAVALIA was in our town not long ago, and THAT IS ONE SHOW I WANT TO SEE! But look at your post here....what a great way you have described this wonderment for the girls....no worries about the outside world and all the EXPECTATIONS but on them by who? THE fabricated ideas of media and culture. But YOU provided a cozy and safe atmosphere so they could return back to the wonder of being a girl. Wasn't Saturday just magical with the snow? I had a blast going to the Nutcracker and visiting a friend only to come home to the falling snow and going to a party across the street, where the winding path to the cottage was lined in large lit up candy canes. I felt like a girl again..

i absolutely loved this post! it makes me not dread the teenage years as much as i currently do...it hink i have too many horror stories--oh, and maybe remember my own teenage years--so this made me really happy! sounds like a wonderful afternoon!!!

Oh my gosh how fun for those girls! memories that will last a life time. What a great idea to host a craft party teen-style. :) Thank you for sharing, it brought a smile to my face thinking of my teen girl and all the friends and memories that she is making as well.xoxo

This is THE best. Every photo enchanted me, every idea motivated me (those paper roses instructions -- any idea where I can get them online?), every bit had me smiling. Yes, sitting at my computer smiling like a Cheshire cat, happy to see such happiness! I can't think of anything more special than this! Love it!

Oh I enjoyed this post SO much Suzanne. All that great energy and warmth and fun times in the house at Christmas time. I enjoyed looking at everything they came up with and marvel at their creativity. Your candy bar is awesome and makes such a beautiful display too. I just can imagine what a lovely time you're having this season. xoxo ~Lili